Step One - Identify main concepts and keywords

Brainstorm how you would like to approach your topic, use an EBM tool like PICO, identify the main concepts or keywords, transfer your question into a searchable question by making it more specific.

P: Patient, problem, population

I: Intervention

C: Comparison, control (optional)

O: Outcomes (clinical and your own search outcomes)

Example 1:

Original question: "What is the most efficient way of dealing with anxious children undergoing dental treatment?"

P: Children, dental treatment

I: Pharmacological therapies: Nitrous Oxide (or use another drug)

C: Behavioral, cognitive therapies

O: Alleviate dental anxiety

Research question: What is the most efficient way of dealing with anxious children undergoing dental treatment, pharmacological therapies, or behavioral, cognitive therapies?

Example 2:

Original question: A fifty-six-year-old, systematically healthy male patient with chronic periodontitis is looking for treatment. He is afraid of dental procedures and would like to avoid staying in the dental chair too long.